Sports Blog 20/10/2016: UEFA Europa League – Inter Milan vs Southampton/Manchester United vs Fenerbahce, Thursday 20th October 2016

Can Southampton secure a historic San Siro victory against Inter Milan at 6pm on BT Sport 3?

After a rocky start – to be expected given that this is the umpteenth overhaul since they reappeared in the Premier League – the Saints have settled into a nice rhythm of late, with Claude Puel’s side managing 5 wins and 2 draws in their last 7 games. Most importantly that form has extended to the Europa League, with an emphatic 3-0 home win over Sparta Prague followed by a slightly less impressive snore draw against Hapoel Be-er Sheva in Israel. Part of Southampton’s improvement has stemmed from the re-introduction of Charlie Austin, who now has 7 goals in 9 appearances. In other words since the Saints lost to Arsenal Austin, who heads into Thursday night at a Super Mega PGM of 26-31, has found the back of the net in every game Southampton have scored in.



When Southampton first got put in Group K the side Puel and co. were likely the most afraid of would have been Inter Milan. That likely has changed now, however, with the Milanese club trapped in a woeful run of form, one that has already caused some to call for the dismissal of Frank de Boer just 10 games into his tenure. Of those 10 games Inter have only won 3 times, drawing twice and losing the other 5 (including both Europa League fixtures). Even more worrying is the fact that only one of those victories came at the San Siro, the former fortress now looking far less formidable. At least Mauro Icardi, at a Super Mega PGM of 28-33, has found some success in Serie A, though the captain’s 6 goals have admittedly been overshadowed by his public spat with the club’s diehard Ultras.

While all of this would point to a Saints victory neither Inter, or the San Siro, should be underestimated, with Spreadex offering an Inter Milan/Southampton Goal Supremacy spread of 0.05-0.25 alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.45-2.65.

Just after the Saints finish their Italian adventure Manchester United will host Fenerbahce, at 8.05pm on BT Sport 2. So far the Europa League has fit into United’s underwhelming, if not completely disastrous, season. A loss to Feyenoord was embarrassing, with a meagre 1-0 win against Zoyra Luhansk at Old Trafford only slightly less so. That run matches a Premier League campaign that, after a very strong start, has stalled, with 2 losses, 2 draws and one win in their last 5 games. Paul Pogba remains a relative, expensive disappointment while even Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who sits at a Super Mega PGM of 46-53, has seen his form falter.



Fenerbahce, meanwhile, are sitting atop Group A following a draw against Zorya and a win over Feyenoord; domestically, however, they have been just as limp as their opponents, drawing 3, winning 2 and losing 2. The most intriguing aspect of Thursday’s game will likely be Robin van Persie’s return to Old Trafford; the Dutchman has a Super Mega PGM of 9-12 despite only scoring 1 goal this season, slipping behind Nigerian international Emmanuel Emenike, who is at 10-14.

United really need to up their game if they are to secure safe passage to the Europa League knockouts (a feat one could question if Mourinho even wants). Luckily our traders don’t think they should struggle too much this evening, offering a Manchester United/Fenerbahce Goal Supremacy spread of 1.15-1.35 alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.6-2.8.